Mario Van Peebles directed a couple episodes of "Damages" last year, and he also popped up on screen at the end of its season. The on-screen part, at least, will continue in the coming season.

Van Peebles will continue his role as an FBI agent in the coming season of the FX series, which began filming a couple weeks ago. Two other shows -- "Heroes" and "Ugly Betty" -- have also added recurring characters, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Van Peebles is scheduled to appear in six episodes of "Damages," which will begin its second season on FX early next year. His continued presence suggests that the feds' case against Patty Hewes ( Glenn Close) will be a significant part of the show's second season.

On "Heroes," Ntare Mwine has been cast as an artist who is "close to many of the original heroes," whatever that may mean. He's signed for nine episodes, and his powers will be slowly revealed over the course of his time on the show.

Mwine's credits include a recurring part on "The Riches," guest spots on "CSI" and "The Unit" and the film "Blood Diamond."

ABC's "Ugly Betty," meanwhile, has added Val Emmich as yet another potential love interest for the title character (America Ferrera). That makes three, if you're keeping score: As last season ended, Betty was making a choice between Henry (Christopher Gorham) and Gio (Freddy Rodriguez).